During his visit to the Public Vocational Secondary School (SMK) 2 Palembang in South Sumatra on Thursday, Jokowi lauded the school's efforts in forming partnerships with various industries.
"I see the school already forming partnerships with the industry, orders are coming, and students have opportunities to develop their skills. I believe this is exactly what we need to establish," the president said, as quoted in the statement released by the Presidential Secretariat.
On the occasion, Jokowi praised the expertise and skills of students that could bring good name to the school in the fields of arts, film, and sports.
Jokowi also commended the efforts of SMK 2 in providing adequate facilities to support the students' practical learning. He encouraged other vocational schools to keep improving their support facilities to hone the students' skills.
"Indeed, some vocational schools still lack technical equipment, and the tools to hone children's skills are still not enough. This must be corrected," he stated.
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With regard to labor absorption, Jokowi underscored the need to prepare excellent human resources in conjunction with opening extensive employment opportunities.
Jokowi noted that the government has kept opening investment opportunities within the country to create vast employment.
“That is why we are opening up as much investment as possible. That is what will absorb the workforce, both in vocational schools and universities, all from investment. Without that, it is useless for us to prepare superior human resources when there is no one to absorb them," he stated.
Also joining Jokowi on this occasion were Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Acting Governor of South Sumatra Agus Fatoni, and Acting Mayor of Palembang Ratu Dewa.
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Translator: Yoanita Hastryka Djohan
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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